Man arrested following ‘suspicious’ house fire in Werribee

A man has been arrested after a suspicious fire gutted a residential home in Werribee.

A 51-year-old man has been arrested by police following a “suspicious” fire at a residential home in Werribee.

Emergency services were rushed to the Jay Ct scene on Tuesday night about 7.30pm, quickly battling to control the house fire.

Neighbours described being evacuated from their homes as the firefighting effort focused on preventing the fire from spreading to other houses in the cul-de-sac.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said crews were able to get the upper hand on the blaze “quickly”, declaring the fire under control shortly before 8pm.

“Firefighters searched the property for occupants but luckily, no one was inside,” he said.

A neighbour told Leader there were dozens of firefighters working to control the fire, while police were seen speaking with a man nearby.

“It was scary, there was so much action happening,” she said. “I was praying my house would be OK.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a man was arrested following the fire, which was currently being treated as suspicious.

“The home sustained significant damage during the fire,” she said. “No one else was inside the residence at the time of the incident.”

On Wednesday, a man who identified himself as the owner of the property declined to speak about the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au